Assessing digital preservation training needs in cultural heritage institutions in Saudi Arabia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31iConf64256Keywords:
Digital preservation, Training programmes, Cultural heritage, Institutions, Preservation specialists, Saudi Arabia, Skills, PoliciesAbstract
Introduction. We discuss an investigation into the digital preservation training needs of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage institutions, where digital preservation is in its infancy. Assessing training needs is vital to provide programmes tailored to digital preservation specialists’ distinctive needs.
Method. An exploratory qualitative case study design was chosen, involving selected managers and practitioners from relevant Saudi cultural heritage institutions. In this paper we report on the online survey with King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), King Abdul Aziz Public Library, King Fahad National Library, Saudi National Centre for Archives and Records, Makkah Centre for Archives and Records, King Abdullah University Library.
Analysis. Data from 37 survey respondents were analysed using the statistical package SPSS and Braun and Clarke’s six steps for thematic analysis; NVivo software was used to assist with coding and themes development.
Results. Findings help fill a regional gap in a predominantly Western-centric literature on digital preservation training and offer insights for cultural heritage information management and international digital humanities research.
Conclusion. To safeguard long term preservation of cultural heritage, training needs of digital preservation specialists in Saudi Arabia and beyond must be adequately addressed, planned for, financially and institutionally supported, adequately communicated, and promoted.
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